Bosses at a major landfill site in Lancashire have asked for a 20-year extension.

SITA UK have applied to allow landfilling and landraising at Clifton Marsh to be extended until the end of 2035.

The North Shields based company described the site as a “valuable disposal route” and said it supported local industry and employment.

A statement said: “Over the past decade there have been significant advances in waste management policy to the point where landfill is now the least desirable method of disposal despite the recovery of some energy via electricity generation from landfill gas.

“However it is still widely acknowledged that landfill will remain to have a role for the foreseeable future of waste management.

“The landfill void at Clifton Marsh remains a valuable asset for which there is an ongoing need, albeit at a low annual input rate.

“The site provides a valuable disposal route for residual wastes arising in the southwest Lancashire area, supporting local industry and employers such as the Springfields site by providing continuity of waste disposal services in the area.”

The statement said the site could also accept asbestos to be disposed of.

Clifton Marsh has also historically accepted wastes from the Springfields site for disposal, and continues to do so, according to the statement.

It said: “In summary the proposed development provides the most sustainable solution for the landfill at Clifton Marsh.” Plans have been submitted to Lancashire County Council to extend the use of the site beyond its current limit of 2020, and a decision will be made next month.